Police seize over 150 tortoises from Bihar (Re-issue)

Patna, June 5 (ANI): Bihar police has seized over 150 tortoises from an unidentified sack lying on a railway station in Patna on Wednesday. The police recovered these tortoises from Danapur railway station, while they were being smuggled out of the city. Amongst the rescued tortoises, some were seriously injured and are being treated at the Sanjay Gandhi Zoo, where they were handed over by the police. There are 168 tortoise, some of them are severely injured. Some of them had their shells pierced through some sharp pointed material. While some had their legs pierced and tied together. They have been brought here and we have kept them under observation and are providing them with the best available treatment, said Ajay Kumar, Veterinarian, Sanjay Gandhi Zoo. The veterinarians at the zoo are taking all adequate measures to ensure the safety and security of these land dwelling reptiles. Though no arrests have been made so far, the police are on a lookout for the culprits. There is a huge demand for these rare species of tortoise, having distinct star marks on their shells, in the international market. India has banned the trade of tortoises under the 1972 Wildlife Protection Act but the huge premium and lax laws are increasingly luring poachers to the trade. (ANI)